The
term geodiversity incorporates all the variety of rocks, minerals and
landforms and the processes which have formed the features of Earth
through geological time. Most famous, are those rare and exceptional
occurrences such as dinosaur footprints or mammoth tusks, but there
are many more less-exceptional, but equally important pieces of the
geological jig-saw puzzle. When pieced together, these give insight
to past climates, earlier environments and life on earth.

Geodiversity
contributes to our quality of life in many ways. Its
benefits include:

Appreciation –
geological features are admired by many people, with large
numbers of visitors attracted to some sites (e.g. the
Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site).

Knowledge –
the study of these features enables us to understand the
evolution and history of the planet.

Products –
commercial extraction provides building materials and
minerals for industry and small-scale collection of
fossils and minerals brings enjoyment to individuals.

Natural
Processes – the functioning of natural systems
provide a number of essential services, such as water
supply and natural flood defence.

In
contrast, geological and geomorphological conservation –
increasingly referred to as ‘geoconservation’ - is the
discipline concerned with the protection, active management or
interpretation of geodiversity.

Schemes such as the
Geodiversity Action Plan (GAP) have been put in place to provide
guidance about the proper management of County Geological Sites. In
Devon this takes the form of the Devon Biodiversity and Geodiversity
Action Plan, which has deliberately been combined as an integrated
initiative, highlighting the wildlife and geology relationship. For
further information please see the links below: